Criminal Charges For English Soccer Star John Terry Over Alleged Racial Abuse

John Terry, right, and opponent Anton Ferdinand during the English Premier League on Oct. 23 in which it's alleged that Terry hurled a racial slur at Ferdinand. Terry denies doing that. He's going to face criminal charges.

Nick PottsAP

Originally published on December 21, 2011 10:22 am

One of England's biggest soccer stars is going to face criminal charges for allegedly aiming a racial slur at an opponent.

The Crown Prosecution Service announced today that John Terry, who plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League and is captain of England's national team, is being accused of using "threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress which was racially aggravated" during a Premier League match on Oct. 23 against the Queens Park Rangers club.

The alleged slur, which Terry denies making, was supposedly directed toward Anton Ferdinand, who is black.

According to the BBC, the charge against Terry carries a maximum penalty of a fine totaling about $4,000.

This is the second action taken this week against an international soccer star accused of racially abusing an opponent. Luis Suarez from Uruguay, who plays for Liverpool in the English Premier League, faces an eight-game ban and a nearly $63,000 fine from England's Football Association for things he allegedly said to Manchester United opponent Patrice Evra during a match on Oct. 15. The Liverpool club has accused the Football Association of judging Suarez before hearing any evidence.